Deciding which are the most beautiful villages in Castile and León is an arduous task, as it is impossible to include them all in one article. However, it is very easy to choose among the most beautiful villages of Castile and León, since there are many. There are many corners and landscapes of this valuable community. Do you find among them your next trip?
The lands where Candeleda is located are, besides an extension of La Vera in Extremadura, the meeting point of Ávila, Cáceres and Toledo. Located in the Sierra de Gredos, this town of medieval origin is perfect to visit in winter and summer, as it has several natural pools. Its old town stands out, where you can see beautiful houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is one of the most beautiful villages of Castile and Leon in which it is also very common to practice hiking in the Sierra de Gredos Park.
Caín de Valdeón, commonly known as Caín, is a picturesque mountain village located in the Picos de Europa. Quietness is guaranteed in this village of less than 60 inhabitants, although not for that reason less entertaining. Among its points of interest are the Church of Santo Tomá and the hermitage of Corona. It is the beginning of many hiking routes, including the famous Cares Gorge.
Although Frías has just over 250 inhabitants, it has the title of the smallest city in Spain. Located to the north of Burgos, it is part of the region of Las Merindades. The village has a special charm, with a medieval town centre declared a Historic-Artistic Site. At first glance, its castle is very striking, as well as the Salazar Palace, the Roman road, the medieval bridge over the Ebro River… Without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León to which it is worth dedicating a day.
Amongst the most beautiful villages in Castile and León, Medina del Campo could not be missed, with its impressive Castle of La Mota. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, it is one of the last castles to be built in Spain. The town reached great prominence during the reign of Isabella the Catholic, and it is here that she died.
Calatañazor is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León, it is also one of the most picturesque in Soria. Located in Valle de la Sangre, it is the place where the famous Muslim leader Almanzor had to face a resounding defeat that meant a turnaround in the history of the Reconquest. In the surroundings you can visit natural areas where you can extend your visit, such as La Fuentona and El Sabinar de Calatañazor.
Besides having monuments of considerable interest, these are in an excellent state of conservation, which is why it is catalogued as a Historic-Artistic Site. The Sanabria Lake Natural Park is located in its surroundings, which enriches the value of the visit. At Christmas, Puebla de Sanabria gets dressed up and lit up like never before.
The best thing to do in Pedraza, Segovia, is to visit the town centre and the surrounding area. Its medieval prison stands out as one of the best preserved in Europe. However, one of the most beautiful moments to visit Pedraza is during its Night of the Candles, celebrated in July. The village is filled with candles and acquires a very special illumination. Concerts are held in the town’s main square.
La Alberca is not only known for being one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León, but in the whole of Spain. Located in a jewel of natural place, in the Sierra de Francia, La Alberca is one of those villages that takes us to the past, preserved in an extraordinary way until our days. You must see the wooden houses and balconies of the Plaza Mayor full of flowers and its old town, typical of the place.
The architectural legacy of Turégano is made up of interesting works such as its castle. It is a fortification of Celtiberian origin in whose interior is the Church of San Miguel. The gastronomy is also very present in Turégano, where you can taste a good lamb or an exquisite ajoarriero.
Special attention should be paid to the Romanesque architecture of Aguilar de Campoo, with a clear example in the Monastery of Santa María La Real and its well-known collegiate church. The monastery has its origin in two 9th century sanctuaries built in honour of San Martín. However, the building is currently Cistercian. For its part, the landscapes of this village are worthy of admiration.
The town of Tordesillas is located in the central area of Valladolid. From its architectural legacy we have received works such as the Church of San Antolín, the Monastery of Santa Clara or the Casas del Tratado, among others. Its medieval bridge offers a postcard view. In the surroundings you can see natural places as beautiful as the Natural Reserve of Lagunas de Villafáfila.
Another of the most beautiful villages of Ávila in Castile and León is Arévalo, perfect to visit in one day. In the north of the province, this medieval town has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest thanks to its old town. The Mudejar architecture, which is present in many of its buildings, is striking. In Arévalo the tostón (roasted pork) is also typical. As a curiosity, Queen Isabella the Catholic lived here when she was still an infant.
This village of Salamanca is located in the region of the Sierra de Béjar, which allows you to enjoy enviable surroundings. In addition, it is located in an area that has been declared a Protected Natural Area of Candelario, where it is common to see peaks that reach 2,000 meters high as well as many chestnut and oak trees. Its town centre is another of its strengths, making it one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León to which you can book a holiday.
Burgo de Osma has a national reputation, and no wonder. The town has an impressive Gothic cathedral and two important fortified enclosures that were built over 500 years ago. Also not to be missed are the Episcopal Palace, the Baroque style square and the Convent of Carmen, among others. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León for which a whole day is required if you wish to see it in depth. The Cañón de Río Lobos Natural Park is a perfect plan to get to know the local fauna and enjoy watching griffon vultures, eagles, kestrels…
The charm of the village of Toro makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Zamora. The Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor attracts attention because of its size and its characteristic Romanesque style. If you are in Toro, one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León, you should also add the Alcázar Real, an old fortress and former residence of the Catholic Monarchs, to the list. This is a territory where there is a proliferation of vineyards with the Toro Designation of Origin.
A visit to Orbaneja del Castillo can last a whole day if we take time to enjoy all the natural attractions the town has to offer. The waterfall is the most characteristic thing to see in the town, although “the kiss of the camels”, an original rock formation, and the town centre do not lag behind either. To complete the pleasant walk, one can go to the caves and walk along the paths.
Frómista is known as the ” Miracle Village” of Tierra de Campos, a key stop on the French Way to Santiago. As in all Palencia, the Romanesque is very present in its architecture. Thus, the monumental Church of San Martín de Tours is a must-see. To complete the full day visit to one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León, there are more Romanesque temples of interest in Frómista.
The village of Molinaseca is located in the region of El Bierzo. With just a glance we understand why it is one of the most beautiful villages in Castile and León, because its wonders are not few. The French Way to Santiago runs through it, which is why the Roman bridge, the entrance to this medieval village, is known as the Pilgrims’ Bridge. This is the beginning of the long Calle Real that leads to the village. Walking through its streets you can see its emblazoned stone houses and the Church of Nicolás de Bari, from the 17th century.
